It’s never too late to return to school

By: Sherri Kolade

The adage, “You’re only as young as you feel,” could easily be applied to college students who are in their golden years and looking to move into the next phase in their life – no matter how old they are. According to the Education Writers Association, over 6.6 million students, 25 or older, attended colleges and universities across the country in 2018, which made up 35 percent of the total student population. According to bestcolleges.com, an older college student refers to students who are adult learners, nontraditional students or mature students. These students vary widely in age, background and previous educational experience, which makes them “the most diverse student group in the country.” The article noted the top advantages of being an older college student, which includes: 1. Having real-world experience “Life experience is among the primary advantages of being an older college student. You know what it means to work hard, manage your time well and balance your personal, professional and academic obligations.” 2. Older students bring a unique viewpoint to the classroom “Older college students add a great deal of value to class discussions and projects. They tend to possess knowledge and backgrounds that many traditional students do not.” 3. Older students could be more determined “Many people in college work hard, but older college students may have a greater appreciation of the importance of higher education and the value it holds. Older students attending college for the first time have likely seen how difficult it can be to advance in a career without a postsecondary education.” 4. Older students have clear expectations “Many younger students enter school without clearly defined goals. It often takes them a year or two to choose their major and even longer to determine a career path.” 5. Older students might be more committed “Older college students tend to maintain a much greater commitment to their studies and coursework. You are likely in school to learn, get good grades and graduate as quickly as possible with a degree that can help you achieve your goals.” 6. Older students could get discounts on classes “Some institutions offer discounts for older college students. For example, the University of Alaska, the University of Arkansas, Georgia Tech and Penn State all offer free tuition to those at or above the age of 60 or 62. Other schools provide discounted tuition rates for nontraditional students who are either starting college for the first time or finishing their degree after spending some time away from school.” In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also recognizes the importance of college education for all as last year she joined forces with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the start of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to help more than 4.1 million Michiganders (25 or older) who do not have a college degree to have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. “All Michiganders deserve a pathway to a good-paying job, whether they choose to pursue a college degree, technical certificate or an apprenticeship,” Whitmer said during a virtual press conference. “Michigan Reconnect will connect thousands of Michiganders to good-paying jobs and connect businesses with the talent they need to thrive in their communities.” Michigan Reconnect pays the cost of tuition for eligible adults who want to pursue an associate degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college. The program also offers skills scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition through more than 70 private training schools with 120 programs that offer certificates in highdemand careers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, information technology, healthcare or business management. Michiganders can submit applications at Michigan.gov/Reconnect. The application process can be completed on a mobile device. “Reconnect offers a path for so many Michiganders hoping to begin – or complete – their education and career journey,” said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Acting Director Susan Corbin. “This program, like so many others we’re focused on, will help expand opportunity for all Michiganders and make Michigan a better place to live, work and play.” Eligible residents can learn more and apply for Michigan Reconnect at michigan.gov/Reconnect. Across the state, future students can also participate in Central Michigan University’s Global Campus and Walsh Business College. For more information visit www.cmich.edu or walshcollege.edu.

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